Introduction
Gak/Oobleck/Slime is not just a fun activity; it can be the foundation of some sophisticated learning about solids, liquids, gases, and things that appear to have the characteristics of one or more of these states of matter.
Those with fond memories of the Super Ball -- the little ball that bounced remarkably high -- can recapture that little childhood joy by making a similar ball at home
. Making a super bouncy ball is easy with common household materials available at the grocery store -- you may even already have them at home.
Difficulty:Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
2 small bowls
Measuring spoons
Borax
Food coloring (optional)
School glue (Elmer's or other clear glue)
Timer that measures seconds (your microwave timer would work great)
Cornstarch
Spoon
1Dissolve 1/2 tsp. borax in 2 tbsp. warm water. If you want a colored ball, add a few drops of food coloring.
2Add 1/2 tsp. of the borax mixture and 1 tbsp. cornstarch to 1 tbsp. glue in the other bowl. Set the timer for 15 seconds. Do not mix until the timer goes off.
3Stir the mixture until combined and then start rolling the mixture in your hands until it becomes solid and forms a ball.
4Bounce and enjoy. Store the ball in a sealed container when not using it.
Introduction
Gak/Oobleck/Slime is not just a fun activity; it can be the foundation of some sophisticated learning about solids, liquids, gases, and things that appear to have the characteristics of one or more of these states of matter.
Gakology and Superheroes
How to Make a Super Bouncy Ball
By Susan Landis-Steward, eHow Contributorupdated February 04, 2011
Super Balls are known for their bouncing ability.
Those with fond memories of the Super Ball -- the little ball that bounced remarkably high -- can recapture that little childhood joy by making a similar ball at
home
. Making a super bouncy ball is easy with common household materials available at the grocery store -- you may even already have them at home.
Difficulty:Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
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Ads by GoogleTips & Warnings
Keep the two bowls separate until you are ready to combine the ingredients.
Although the ingredients are mostly nontoxic, do not eat them.
Wash your hands and all tools after making the ball.
Supervise children while doing this project.
Keep the small ball away from young children, it may pose a choking hazard.
Read more: How to Make a Super Bouncy Ball | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4869961_make-super-bouncy-ball.html#ixzz1WRUALUa9
We didn't just have fun; we made a polymer:
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000039
Here's a good recipe:
http://www.makingfriends.com/r_flubber.htm
Gak is a non-Newtonian fluid. Here is the power point we used in class to explain these concepts:
Here is a link to a video of people walking on a non-Newtonian fluid (cornstarch and water)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2XQ97XHjVw